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Can Do

My psychologist, Dr. Mike McClay of Boise, assigned me homework one session. It has been instrumental in a change of my life. We can all use it. I'm sure Dr. McClay will be pleased.

You can change your outlook on life with this very simple exercise. Try it. It's so easy.

The Can't-do list -

• Make a list of all the things you can't do now. These are the things you've lost due to your experience with TM.
• My list included all the wonderful sports I loved. All gone.
• My list included my job, my profession, my calling in life. I spent many years in college preparing for and continuing with my career. All gone.
• My list included all my friends. I can't interact with them because of my extreme pain. All gone.
• I've lost so very much. It hurts to even think about it. I can barely stand it. This is the hard part, but you have to do it!

Now do it. Make the list. Mourn for your loss. Grieve for it. Feel terrible.

And let it go. It is your past. It was wonderful. It's gone, and that's OK. Let it go.

The Can-do list -

• Make a list of all the things you can do. These are the things you have retained plus the things you have gained. This was my surprise.
• My list includes my ability to think. Some days it's a challenge. Other days the adrenaline of exciting ideas makes the pain explode. But even those days are a gift, and they are mine!
• My list includes my ability to empathize with you. I know TM now, and when I hear about the situation of another with TM, I can really understand, and share that feeling. I can give my understanding.
• My list includes my knowledge of computers (my former profession). I can use that knowledge to help others. I can fix problems in my PC and my wife's and anyone else's. I can create this web!
• But most important of all, my list includes my compassion.

Make your lists. Do your homework. Start your new life, and enjoy  it.

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